Month: April 2025

Is there trouble in paradise?

Will Paige Bueckers lead the UConn Huskies to the championship game?

"Here's to the bridge-builders, the hand-holders, the light-bringers, those extraordinary souls wrapped in ordinary lives who quietly weave threads of humanity into an inhumane world.
They are the unsung heroes in a world at war with itself.
They are the whisperers of hope that peace is possible.
Look for them in this present darkness. Light your candle with their flame.
And then go.
Build bridges. Hold hands. Bring light to a dark and desperate world.
Be the hero you are looking for.
Peace is possible.
It begins with us." 
—L.R. Knost

In the United States, we recently honored women leaders during Women’s History Month. It is an annual celebration of the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. It is celebrated during March in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia and during October in Canada. It is appropriate that we acknowledge the contributions of women leaders who paved the road for women in all walks of life.

It is my belief, however, that it is us – the ordinary mothers, sisters, daughters, aunts, grandmothers – that make the most difference in our world, or have the capacity to do that. This is a reminder that YOU make a difference!

What Characteristics Do Women Possess?

When I google “the characteristics of women,” among others, the results include empathy, tenderness, humility, vulnerability, love, kindness, compassion, and healing. I think we can also include boldness, strength, stability, forgiveness, common sense, and intelligence.

Angelina was my maternal grandmother. Her family called her Lena. Together, she and my grandfather, Henry (Hank), owned several farms in Iowa. Lena and Hank raised four girls. My mother, Pearl, was the youngest and was designated the “outdoor” girl to help her dad with farm chores. Her sisters focused on housework, cooking, etc. – the “indoor” chores.

The stories I have heard about Lena reflect a loving and caring person, but one who was not afraid to stand her ground if the situation was warranted. For example, my mother was dating a young man that my grandfather did not like. The young man died in an accident and my mother mourned deeply. My grandfather, who could be quite stern, did not want my mother to attend the funeral. Lena put her foot down, and she and my mother attended the funeral.

I did not know my only brother, Arthur, who was born after the family moved to Iowa from Arizona. Arthur had cerebral palsy, and his short, two-year life had a dramatic impact on my family. Pictures of him reflect curly blond hair and the most beautiful smile.

Unfortunately, his life was filled with a great deal of pain and often he could not be comforted. That was especially hard on my mother. Of course, my older sisters and my father took turns with care giving, but my mother shouldered the burden. Not only was Arthur ill, but also Lena, my maternal grandmother. Lena died of cancer about a year before Arthur. How filled with sadness those years must have been for Mom! Yet she persevered.

What I remember most about my mother is how loved she made me feel! That tells me that she had great role models. Mom died when I was in my 30s but I think of her every single day.

These women were not perfect. None of us are. What we choose to remember either makes us better people or takes us down a dark path. It is our choice. In either case, and I hope you choose the former, we learn from their example.

What Can We Do?

Look around you. Is there someone in pain – physical or mental? To a degree, we all are! Is there someone who needs a friend who is willing to listen? We could use more listeners! So often we are quick to judge or espouse our view, and I am as guilty as anyone else. Perhaps if we slowed down, listened, and shared with an open mind, we would find that there are common threads.

In the end, we may agree to disagree, and that is not bad. We have built a bridge. Just the effort to hear and understand brings civility to a world where it is sadly lacking. “Build bridges. Hold hands. Bring light to a dark and desperate world.”

Reflection Questions:

Who were your role models or mentors? What lessons did you learn from them? How would you like to change the world? How can you use your talents to make a difference?

Varicose veins – those twisted, bulging veins that often appear on the legs – are a common concern for many, especially as we age. While they can be a cosmetic nuisance, they can also cause discomfort and even pain. Fortunately, there are several beauty hacks and lifestyle changes that can help improve the appearance of varicose veins and promote vein health while slowing down vascular aging. Let’s explore some effective strategies to tackle this issue head-on.

Understanding Varicose Veins

Before diving into beauty hacks, it’s essential to understand what varicose veins are. These veins occur when the valves inside them become weakened or damaged, leading to blood pooling and the formation of enlarged, visible veins. Factors like genetics, hormonal changes, pregnancy, obesity, and prolonged sitting or standing can contribute to their development.

While professional treatments such as sclerotherapy, laser therapy, and surgery are options for severe cases, many individuals seek more immediate and accessible beauty hacks to alleviate the appearance of varicose veins.

8 Beauty Hacks for Varicose Veins

Here are some top strategies to consider:

#1. Compression Wear

One of the most effective and non-invasive methods for managing varicose veins is the use of compression stockings. These specially designed garments apply pressure to the legs, promoting blood flow and reducing swelling. Available in various styles and compression levels, they can be worn throughout the day to provide relief and improve circulation. For added style, look for fashionable patterns and colors that suit your wardrobe!

#2. Elevate Your Legs

Taking breaks to elevate your legs can work wonders for reducing the appearance of varicose veins. When sitting or lying down, position your legs above heart level to encourage blood circulation and alleviate pressure on the veins. Consider propping your legs on pillows or using a leg wedge to make this practice more comfortable.

#3. Stay Active

Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining healthy blood circulation. Exercise helps strengthen the muscles in the legs, which in turn promotes better blood flow. Activities like walking, cycling, swimming, and yoga can be particularly beneficial. Aim for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour of moderate exercise most days of the week. Not only will this help improve the appearance of varicose veins, but it will also enhance your overall well-being.

Also read, Women Over 55 Should Prioritize Strength and Balance: A Guide to Staying Active and Healthy

#4. Hydration and Diet

What you consume can significantly impact the health of your veins. Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining good circulation, so aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Additionally, incorporating a diet rich in fiber, antioxidants, and flavonoids can promote vein health. Foods like berries, citrus fruits, leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains can help reduce inflammation and support vein strength. Also, beet juice ingestion improves vascular endothelial dysfunction associated with aging.

#5. Natural Remedies

Several natural remedies may help improve the appearance of varicose veins. Consider massaging your legs with essential oils, such as lavender or cypress, which are known for their circulation-boosting properties. Combine up to 30 drops of essential oil with approximately 3 tablespoons of carrier oil.

Popular carrier oils include sweet almond oil, olive oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil. You may also add other oils too, such as shea butter or cocoa butter. Use the mixture to gently massage the affected area in the direction of your heart to promote blood flow and relaxation. 

#6. Cold Therapy

Cold treatments can provide immediate relief from discomfort associated with varicose veins. Applying cold compresses or ice packs to the affected areas can help reduce swelling and soothe aching veins. Aim for 15-20 minutes of cold therapy a few times a day to alleviate symptoms and improve appearance.

#7. Stylish Coverage

For those looking to conceal varicose veins temporarily, fashion can be your ally. Choose stylish clothing that provides coverage, such as long skirts, wide-legged trousers, or knee-high boots. Tights or leggings with compression features can offer both comfort and style while helping to conceal veins. You can also consider using self-tanner lotion, cream, or sprays to hide the appearance of varicose veins while you’re going through your journey to figure out what works best for your skin. 

#8. Consult a Professional

While at-home beauty hacks can be effective, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for personalized advice. They can assess your condition and recommend appropriate treatments, whether they be cosmetic procedures or lifestyle modifications.

Conclusion

Varicose veins may be a common concern, but they don’t have to dictate your confidence or beauty. By incorporating these beauty hacks into your routine you can take proactive steps to improve the appearance of your veins and boost your self-esteem. Remember, taking care of your overall health is the best beauty hack of all, so embrace these strategies for both beauty and wellness. With a little effort and attention, you can flaunt your legs with pride, regardless of age!

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you suffer from varicose veins? Have you looked into beauty hacks to improve this condition? Which of them have worked for you? What else would you recommend to others in the community?

We’ve all seen the ads. Discover your true age. Reverse aging at the cellular level! Test your biological age and unlock the secrets of longevity.

It sounds exciting – empowering, even. After all, who wouldn’t want to know if their body is younger (or older) than their actual age? And better yet, who wouldn’t want to do something about it?

But the truth is, the numbers these tests give you are unlikely to mean much at all.

Let’s break this down from the beginning – starting with what these tests claim to measure.

Chronological Age vs. Biological Age

Chronological age is simple. It’s the number of years you’ve been alive – your age according to the calendar. If you were born in 1965, your chronological age is 60 in 2025. It’s fixed and objective.

Biological age, on the other hand, is an estimate of how your body is actually aging. It reflects your physical and cellular condition, which may be “younger” or “older” than your chronological age depending on lifestyle, genetics, environment, and more.

What Is a Biological Age Clock?

A biological age clock is a tool – usually an algorithm – that uses various biological data (like DNA methylation, blood markers, or proteins) to estimate your biological age.

There are many types, but one of the most popular is the epigenetic clock, which looks at DNA methylation, chemical tags on your DNA, to make this estimate.

These clocks are based on scientific research and while promising, have a long way to go before they can predict health and aging outcomes.

The Problem with Clocks

Despite the scientific roots, they come with a list of major caveats.

• No regulatory oversight: These tests are not approved or reviewed by the FDA or any health authority.
• No industry standard: Companies use different methods, and they don’t always disclose how their algorithms work.
• Lots of variation: Even the same person, sending in two samples, may get different results. In fact, it is more likely than not.
• No real action plan: Most results are vague and not tied to specific, personalized advice.

That means your biological age might show up as 64 today and 71 next week – and you won’t know if that’s because of a lifestyle change, a lab error, or just random noise.

“Track Over Time” Sounds Good, But…

Many companies will tell you that biological age is most useful when tracked over time.

The problem with that idea is that if the number itself is unstable or poorly understood, tracking it doesn’t give you much to work with.

Sure, you might see a “drop” in your biological age after changing your habits, but can you be sure it was your new diet or sleep routine – or just test variability?

Without standardized, repeatable results, even trendlines become questionable.

So… What Are These Tests Good For?

They’re not totally useless. For some people, they’re a gateway into better health awareness and behavior. You might find value if you’re curious and enjoy self-experimentation. If you understand the limitations and don’t treat the number as absolute truth. Or if you’re looking for motivation to make healthy changes (even if the “score” is just a psychological boost).

If the latter, however, be careful that you wouldn’t experience a negative score, one saying you’re six years older than you are, as a psychological setback.

They’re not diagnostic and they don’t provide personalized roadmaps to improve your health in a meaningful, evidence-based way.

Final Thoughts

The science of aging is evolving fast, and it’s genuinely exciting. Biological age clocks have potential. But the tests available today are still experimental, inconsistent, unregulated, and often misunderstood.

If you decide to use one, be curious, but cautious. Don’t hang your health – or your hopes – on a single number. And remember: the most powerful changes to your health don’t require a test. They just require consistency.

Eat real food. Move often. Sleep well. Reduce stress. Build meaningful connections.

Those things may not come in a sleek report – but they’re still the most reliable way to feel younger, longer.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you ever taken a biological or epigenetic age test? How would you respond if a test told you your biological age was much older than your actual age? Would you rather have one clear number to track your aging, or a fuller picture with more nuance?